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Spurious correlation #3,313 · View random

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the first name Mara and the second variable is The number of private detectives in Ohio.  The chart goes from 2003 to 2022, and the two variables track closely in value over that time. Small Image
Download png
, svg

AI explanation

As the name Mara rose in popularity, more and more parents subconsciously instilled a strong sense of curiosity and a knack for solving mysteries in their children. This led to a surge in aspiring detective careers, especially in Ohio. It seems the state just couldn't shake off the case of the Maranation!

Model: dalle-3
Prompt: [Whimsical illustration] Generate an image of a bustling Ohio city with a schoolyard in the foreground. In the schoolyard, children are shown playing, and the name "Mara" is referenced several times as kids run around. Some children are engaged in detective games, eagerly solving imaginary mysteries. In the background, a line of private detective offices can be seen, with a steady stream of young and determined Mara-named adults entering, ready to take on their next case. Capture the lively atmosphere and sense of adventure in the scene. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.
This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Symbolism Glitch art Whimsical illustration Surrealism Minimalism
ChatGPT: Whimsical illustration

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio, in the following situation: As the name Mara grew in popularity, more parents subconsciously imbued their children with a natural talent for investigation, leading to a surge in private detectives in Ohio as this generation came of age.. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In a bustling Ohio city, a schoolyard with children playing is shown. The name "Mara" is heard called out several times as kids run around. Among them, some children are playing detective games, eagerly solving imaginary mysteries. In the background, a line of private detective offices can be seen, with a steady stream of young and determined Mara-named adults entering, ready to take on their next case.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ Whimsical illustration ] and depicting this scene: In a bustling Ohio city, a schoolyard with children playing is shown. The name "Mara" is heard called out several times as kids run around. Among them, some children are playing detective games, eagerly solving imaginary mysteries. In the background, a line of private detective offices can be seen, with a steady stream of young and determined Mara-named adults entering, ready to take on their next case. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: [Whimsical illustration] Generate an image of a bustling Ohio city with a schoolyard in the foreground. In the schoolyard, children are shown playing, and the name "Mara" is referenced several times as kids run around. Some children are engaged in detective games, eagerly solving imaginary mysteries. In the background, a line of private detective offices can be seen, with a steady stream of young and determined Mara-named adults entering, ready to take on their next case. Capture the lively atmosphere and sense of adventure in the scene.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how an increase in Popularity of the first name Mara caused The number of private detectives in Ohio to increase. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)
Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio

The Journal of Humorous Anthropology

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!
Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.




Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You write titles and abstracts of goofy academic research papers.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, and add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please draft the title and abstract of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Make the title a clever pun.

Your research team used data from US Social Security Administration and Bureau of Larbor Statistics to assess this nagging question. You found a correlation coefficient of 0.7457735 and p < 0.01 for 2003 to 2022.

Please respond in this format (replace "Lorem ipsum dolor sit" with your title and abstract)

[[TITLE]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit

[[ABSTRACT]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit



ChatGPT:
[[TITLE]]
"Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this impish investigation, we delve into the intriguing interconnectedness between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in the state of Ohio. Despite initial incredulity, our research team unearthed a positively delightful correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, with a p-value so tiny, it would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we examined the period spanning from 2003 to 2022, unearthing surprising relationships that tickled our academic fancy. Our findings provide a whimsical twist to traditional perceptions of nomenclature in relation to occupational demand, prompting us to ponder: is the name "Mara" inherently mysterious, or are Ohioans simply keen on unraveling enigmatic enigmas? As we unravel this peculiar correlation, we invite readers to join in the mischievous merriment of our research and uncover the unexpected connections hiding in plain sight.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the introduction section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the introduction section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this impish investigation, we delve into the intriguing interconnectedness between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in the state of Ohio. Despite initial incredulity, our research team unearthed a positively delightful correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, with a p-value so tiny, it would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we examined the period spanning from 2003 to 2022, unearthing surprising relationships that tickled our academic fancy. Our findings provide a whimsical twist to traditional perceptions of nomenclature in relation to occupational demand, prompting us to ponder: is the name "Mara" inherently mysterious, or are Ohioans simply keen on unraveling enigmatic enigmas? As we unravel this peculiar correlation, we invite readers to join in the mischievous merriment of our research and uncover the unexpected connections hiding in plain sight.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[INTRODUCTION]]



ChatGPT:
Introduction

The relationship between personal nomenclature and occupational trends has long been a subject of academic curiosity. While the influence of names on various aspects of life has been explored, from career success to romantic encounters, the intersection of monikers and labor market dynamics continues to provide fertile ground for scholarly amusement. In the realm of occupational enigmas, the connection between the popularity of the first name "Mara" and the prevalence of private detectives in the state of Ohio presents a particularly piquant puzzle. Our inquiry, dubbed "Mara-mba," embarks on a lighthearted journey to untangle the whimsical web of associations between nomenclature and sleuthing in the Buckeye State.

The etymological origins of the name "Mara" add a touch of mystery to our investigation. Derived from various linguistic roots, the name "Mara" carries connotations ranging from bitterness to strength, rendering it a tantalizing canvas upon which to paint the portrait of occupational predilections. With a sprinkle of jest and a dash of academic rigor, we set out to elucidate whether the name "Mara" harbors an inherent allure for the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation, or if, as some may whimsically ponder, the citizens of Ohio simply possess an insatiable penchant for peering behind the veil of secrecy.

As we embark on this mischievous journey, we acknowledge the skepticism that may greet our study. The concept of a correlation between the frequency of a given name and the demand for detective services may, at first glance, elicit a raised eyebrow or a stifled chuckle. However, it is precisely in the unexpected and the peculiar that scholarly amusement often finds its most fertile soil. Our foray into this curious correlation may serve as a tantalizing reminder to take nothing for granted, and to approach even the most improbable relationships with a hint of whimsy and an arched eyebrow.

Bounding along the labyrinthine corridors of name popularity and occupational proclivities, our investigation aims to delight, provoke, and inspire. In the tradition of scholarly revelry, we invite fellow academics and merrymakers alike to embark on this merry jaunt through the statistical thickets, and to join us in uncovering the unexpected connections that lay hidden in the everyday fabric of existence. As we delve deeper into the playful peculiarities of our findings, we shall weave a tapestry of delight, imbuing the staid mantle of academic inquiry with the mirthful spark of lighthearted mischief.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name a few real TV shows that sound like they might be relevant to the topic that you watched as research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this impish investigation, we delve into the intriguing interconnectedness between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in the state of Ohio. Despite initial incredulity, our research team unearthed a positively delightful correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, with a p-value so tiny, it would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we examined the period spanning from 2003 to 2022, unearthing surprising relationships that tickled our academic fancy. Our findings provide a whimsical twist to traditional perceptions of nomenclature in relation to occupational demand, prompting us to ponder: is the name "Mara" inherently mysterious, or are Ohioans simply keen on unraveling enigmatic enigmas? As we unravel this peculiar correlation, we invite readers to join in the mischievous merriment of our research and uncover the unexpected connections hiding in plain sight.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
The relationship between personal nomenclature and occupational trends has long been a subject of academic curiosity. While the influence of names on various aspects of life has been explored, from career success to romantic encounters, the intersection of monikers and labor market dynamics continues to provide fertile ground for scholarly amusement. In the realm of occupational enigmas, the connection between the popularity of the first name "Mara" and the prevalence of private detectives in the state of Ohio presents a particularly piquant puzzle. Our inquiry, dubbed "Mara-mba," embarks on a lighthearted journey to untangle the whimsical web of associations between nomenclature and sleuthing in the Buckeye State.
The etymological origins of the name "Mara" add a touch of mystery to our investigation. Derived from various linguistic roots, the name "Mara" carries connotations ranging from bitterness to strength, rendering it a tantalizing canvas upon which to paint the portrait of occupational predilections. With a sprinkle of jest and a dash of academic rigor, we set out to elucidate whether the name "Mara" harbors an inherent allure for the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation, or if, as some may whimsically ponder, the citizens of Ohio simply possess an insatiable penchant for peering behind the veil of secrecy.
As we embark on this mischievous journey, we acknowledge the skepticism that may greet our study. The concept of a correlation between the frequency of a given name and the demand for detective services may, at first glance, elicit a raised eyebrow or a stifled chuckle. However, it is precisely in the unexpected and the peculiar that scholarly amusement often finds its most fertile soil. Our foray into this curious correlation may serve as a tantalizing reminder to take nothing for granted, and to approach even the most improbable relationships with a hint of whimsy and an arched eyebrow.
Bounding along the labyrinthine corridors of name popularity and occupational proclivities, our investigation aims to delight, provoke, and inspire. In the tradition of scholarly revelry, we invite fellow academics and merrymakers alike to embark on this merry jaunt through the statistical thickets, and to join us in uncovering the unexpected connections that lay hidden in the everyday fabric of existence. As we delve deeper into the playful peculiarities of our findings, we shall weave a tapestry of delight, imbuing the staid mantle of academic inquiry with the mirthful spark of lighthearted mischief.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]



ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

Historically, the association between names and occupational propensities has received scholarly attention, with studies diving into realms as diverse as the impact of initials on professional success (Jones, 2014) and the correlation between last names and specific professions (Smith, 2017). However, our whimsical pursuit ventures into the uncharted territory of the link between the popularity of the first name "Mara" and the demand for private detectives in Ohio.

In "The Nomenclature Nexus: A Multidimensional Analysis of Name-Occupation Confluences," Doe and Johnson (2019) delve into the intriguing interplay between nomenclature and professional inclinations, shedding light on the nuanced relationships that exist beyond the surface. This expansive analysis serves as a springboard for our mirthful exploration, offering a scholarly nod to the delightful dance of names and occupations.

Turning to a more lighthearted review of the thematic undercurrents, "The Secret Garden of Surnames: A Floral Perspective on Name-Occupation Cohesion" by Blooming and Petal (2016) adds a touch of whimsy to the often-serious terrain of name studies, laying the groundwork for our playful investigation into the flourishing connections between names and professions.

In a further departure from traditional scholarship, "The Sherlock Syndrome: Investigating the Impact of Name Allure on Professional Pursuits" by Mystery and Riddle (2018) offers a tongue-in-cheek analysis of the influence of intriguing names on career choices, setting the stage for our lighthearted scrutiny of the enigmatic appeal of the name "Mara" in the context of sleuthing in Ohio.

Now, departing from the staid confines of scholarly literature, let us venture into the realm of fiction for a brief moment of frivolity. In the whimsical world of non-scientific prose, the novel "The Mysterious Case of Mara's Moniker" by Sleuthington (2005) spins a tale of clandestine escapades, providing a fanciful glimpse into the fantastical allure of the name "Mara" and its potential sway over the private detective profession.

Likewise, the iconic literary work "Gumshoe Galore: Tales of Trench-Coated Tidings" by Noir (2012) offers a playful romp through the world of gumshoe escapades, hinting at the tantalizing mystique that may be associated with names that evoke a sense of intrigue and enigma.

For a touch of visual levity, our research team engaged with popular culture for inspiration, delving into the serpentine world of televised sleuthing. The enthralling escapades portrayed in shows such as "Mara Mysteries" and "Private Eye Mara" offered a glimpse into the layers of allure that encapsulate the titular name, prompting our playful ponderings on the potential magnetism that the name "Mara" holds for the world of private investigation.

As we traverse the scholarly, the fanciful, and the purely entertaining realms of inspiration, our journey through the underbrush of name popularity and occupational peculiarities takes on a multifaceted hue, inviting readers to join us in unraveling the unexpected connections that await discovery.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and Bureau of Larbor Statistics . You used data from 2003 to 2022

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this impish investigation, we delve into the intriguing interconnectedness between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in the state of Ohio. Despite initial incredulity, our research team unearthed a positively delightful correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, with a p-value so tiny, it would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we examined the period spanning from 2003 to 2022, unearthing surprising relationships that tickled our academic fancy. Our findings provide a whimsical twist to traditional perceptions of nomenclature in relation to occupational demand, prompting us to ponder: is the name "Mara" inherently mysterious, or are Ohioans simply keen on unraveling enigmatic enigmas? As we unravel this peculiar correlation, we invite readers to join in the mischievous merriment of our research and uncover the unexpected connections hiding in plain sight.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
The relationship between personal nomenclature and occupational trends has long been a subject of academic curiosity. While the influence of names on various aspects of life has been explored, from career success to romantic encounters, the intersection of monikers and labor market dynamics continues to provide fertile ground for scholarly amusement. In the realm of occupational enigmas, the connection between the popularity of the first name "Mara" and the prevalence of private detectives in the state of Ohio presents a particularly piquant puzzle. Our inquiry, dubbed "Mara-mba," embarks on a lighthearted journey to untangle the whimsical web of associations between nomenclature and sleuthing in the Buckeye State.
The etymological origins of the name "Mara" add a touch of mystery to our investigation. Derived from various linguistic roots, the name "Mara" carries connotations ranging from bitterness to strength, rendering it a tantalizing canvas upon which to paint the portrait of occupational predilections. With a sprinkle of jest and a dash of academic rigor, we set out to elucidate whether the name "Mara" harbors an inherent allure for the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation, or if, as some may whimsically ponder, the citizens of Ohio simply possess an insatiable penchant for peering behind the veil of secrecy.
As we embark on this mischievous journey, we acknowledge the skepticism that may greet our study. The concept of a correlation between the frequency of a given name and the demand for detective services may, at first glance, elicit a raised eyebrow or a stifled chuckle. However, it is precisely in the unexpected and the peculiar that scholarly amusement often finds its most fertile soil. Our foray into this curious correlation may serve as a tantalizing reminder to take nothing for granted, and to approach even the most improbable relationships with a hint of whimsy and an arched eyebrow.
Bounding along the labyrinthine corridors of name popularity and occupational proclivities, our investigation aims to delight, provoke, and inspire. In the tradition of scholarly revelry, we invite fellow academics and merrymakers alike to embark on this merry jaunt through the statistical thickets, and to join us in uncovering the unexpected connections that lay hidden in the everyday fabric of existence. As we delve deeper into the playful peculiarities of our findings, we shall weave a tapestry of delight, imbuing the staid mantle of academic inquiry with the mirthful spark of lighthearted mischief.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]



ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

To accomplish the whimsical feat of unraveling the elusive link between the popularity of the first name "Mara" and the number of private detectives in Ohio, our research team embarked on an adventurous journey through the data realms, employing a blend of meticulous statistical analysis and a measure of mischievous merriment. Our data collection effort encompassed the time span from 2003 to 2022, drawing from sources that included the archives of the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Our initial step in this melodious pursuit was to harmonize the data on the frequency of the name "Mara" with the employment figures for private detectives in the state of Ohio. We harmoniously combined these disparate datasets, ensuring that each observation was serenely aligned with the corresponding time period and geographical location. Much like a whimsical symphony conductor, we coordinated these data ensembles to create a coherent cacophony of information, ready to be dissected and scrutinized in the pursuit of scholarly revelry.

Following this harmonious gathering of data, our research team unleashed the boisterous power of statistical analysis to discern the extent of correlation between the two variables of interest: the popularity of the name "Mara" and the number of private detectives in Ohio. With a twinkle in our eyes and a fervent desire for academic amusement, we employed the venerable Pearson correlation coefficient to quantify the strength and direction of this association. Such statistical tomfoolery facilitated a nuanced understanding of the relationship between the enchanting appellation "Mara" and the enigmatic world of private investigation.

In parallel to our statistical pursuits, we engaged in a whimsical exploration of time series analysis to discern any tantalizing temporal patterns in the interplay of name popularity and the demand for clandestine inquiry in Ohio. Through the artful application of seasonal decomposition and time series modeling, we sought to illuminate the quirky rhythms underlying the ebb and flow of these phenomena, akin to unravelling the delightful cadence of a convoluted jest.

With our data harmonized, our statistical calculations executed, and our metaphorical cap and bells securely in place, we pranced into the realm of hypothesis testing, subjecting our findings to the whimsical scrutiny of permutation tests and bootstrapping methods. These analytical antics not only entertained our scholarly sensibilities but also provided robust validation of the delightful correlations unearthed in our seemingly improbable quest.

Thus fortified with an arsenal of statistical whimsy and unshaken by the skeptically arched eyebrows of our peers, we present our meticulously mischievous methodology as a testament to the joyous pursuit of academic revelry in the face of the unexpected and the unconventional.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the results section of an academic research paper. You speak in the past tense (you found...).
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and Bureau of Larbor Statistics .

For the time period 2003 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.7457735, r-squared of 0.5561780, and p < 0.01.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this impish investigation, we delve into the intriguing interconnectedness between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in the state of Ohio. Despite initial incredulity, our research team unearthed a positively delightful correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, with a p-value so tiny, it would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we examined the period spanning from 2003 to 2022, unearthing surprising relationships that tickled our academic fancy. Our findings provide a whimsical twist to traditional perceptions of nomenclature in relation to occupational demand, prompting us to ponder: is the name "Mara" inherently mysterious, or are Ohioans simply keen on unraveling enigmatic enigmas? As we unravel this peculiar correlation, we invite readers to join in the mischievous merriment of our research and uncover the unexpected connections hiding in plain sight.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
Introduction
The relationship between personal nomenclature and occupational trends has long been a subject of academic curiosity. While the influence of names on various aspects of life has been explored, from career success to romantic encounters, the intersection of monikers and labor market dynamics continues to provide fertile ground for scholarly amusement. In the realm of occupational enigmas, the connection between the popularity of the first name "Mara" and the prevalence of private detectives in the state of Ohio presents a particularly piquant puzzle. Our inquiry, dubbed "Mara-mba," embarks on a lighthearted journey to untangle the whimsical web of associations between nomenclature and sleuthing in the Buckeye State.
The etymological origins of the name "Mara" add a touch of mystery to our investigation. Derived from various linguistic roots, the name "Mara" carries connotations ranging from bitterness to strength, rendering it a tantalizing canvas upon which to paint the portrait of occupational predilections. With a sprinkle of jest and a dash of academic rigor, we set out to elucidate whether the name "Mara" harbors an inherent allure for the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation, or if, as some may whimsically ponder, the citizens of Ohio simply possess an insatiable penchant for peering behind the veil of secrecy.
As we embark on this mischievous journey, we acknowledge the skepticism that may greet our study. The concept of a correlation between the frequency of a given name and the demand for detective services may, at first glance, elicit a raised eyebrow or a stifled chuckle. However, it is precisely in the unexpected and the peculiar that scholarly amusement often finds its most fertile soil. Our foray into this curious correlation may serve as a tantalizing reminder to take nothing for granted, and to approach even the most improbable relationships with a hint of whimsy and an arched eyebrow.
Bounding along the labyrinthine corridors of name popularity and occupational proclivities, our investigation aims to delight, provoke, and inspire. In the tradition of scholarly revelry, we invite fellow academics and merrymakers alike to embark on this merry jaunt through the statistical thickets, and to join us in uncovering the unexpected connections that lay hidden in the everyday fabric of existence. As we delve deeper into the playful peculiarities of our findings, we shall weave a tapestry of delight, imbuing the staid mantle of academic inquiry with the mirthful spark of lighthearted mischief.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]



ChatGPT:

**RESULTS**

Correlation Analysis

The fruition of our unorthodox inquiry, Mara-mba, has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, a coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.5561780, and a p-value (p < 0.01) that would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. The correlation coefficient suggests a strong positive relationship between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the number of private detectives employed in Ohio. This finding tickled our academic fancy and prompted us to muse about the enigmatic allure of this particular nomenclature in the Buckeye State.

Figure 1 presents a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the robust correlation we uncovered, where each data point signifies a whimsical connection between the popularity of the name "Mara" and the clandestine endeavors of private detectives in Ohio. A veritable tapestry of intrigue unfolds as the scatterplot weaves a captivating narrative of hidden truths and covert inquiries. It's almost as if the data itself is donning a deerstalker hat and brandishing a magnifying glass, ready to embark on its own sleuthing escapade.

Discussion of Findings

The unexpected robust correlation between the prevalence of the name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in Ohio invites scholarly pondering and lighthearted merriment. Could it be that the name "Mara" exudes an innate aura of enigma and mystique, thus piquing the interest of aspiring sleuths across the state? Or, in a whimsical twist of fate, are Ohioans simply smitten with the idea of unraveling clandestine puzzles, turning to the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation as an embodiment of their insatiable curiosity?

Our findings add a delightful twist to the traditional understanding of how nomenclature intertwines with occupational inclinations. The connection between the name "Mara" and the demand for private detective services in Ohio, while initially met with incredulity, now stands as a testament to the power of academic whimsy and the serendipitous intersections that abound in the world of data. It appears that the mysterious allure of the name "Mara" may very well play a part in shaping the occupational landscape of the Buckeye State, prompting us to playfully ponder the intricacies of nomenclature and occupational phenomena.

The correlations unveiled through our mischievous inquiry open the door to further explorations into the whimsical world of name popularity and its quirky connections to occupational realms. As we conclude our delightful discourse on the marriage of "Mara" and the magnifying glass, we invite fellow academics and merrymakers alike to join us in uncovering the enchanting revelations and unexpected correlations that await amid the labyrinth of scholarly revelry.

That's all folks!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the discussion section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
"Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this impish investigation, we delve into the intriguing interconnectedness between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in the state of Ohio. Despite initial incredulity, our research team unearthed a positively delightful correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, with a p-value so tiny, it would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we examined the period spanning from 2003 to 2022, unearthing surprising relationships that tickled our academic fancy. Our findings provide a whimsical twist to traditional perceptions of nomenclature in relation to occupational demand, prompting us to ponder: is the name "Mara" inherently mysterious, or are Ohioans simply keen on unraveling enigmatic enigmas? As we unravel this peculiar correlation, we invite readers to join in the mischievous merriment of our research and uncover the unexpected connections hiding in plain sight.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Historically, the association between names and occupational propensities has received scholarly attention, with studies diving into realms as diverse as the impact of initials on professional success (Jones, 2014) and the correlation between last names and specific professions (Smith, 2017). However, our whimsical pursuit ventures into the uncharted territory of the link between the popularity of the first name "Mara" and the demand for private detectives in Ohio.
In "The Nomenclature Nexus: A Multidimensional Analysis of Name-Occupation Confluences," Doe and Johnson (2019) delve into the intriguing interplay between nomenclature and professional inclinations, shedding light on the nuanced relationships that exist beyond the surface. This expansive analysis serves as a springboard for our mirthful exploration, offering a scholarly nod to the delightful dance of names and occupations.
Turning to a more lighthearted review of the thematic undercurrents, "The Secret Garden of Surnames: A Floral Perspective on Name-Occupation Cohesion" by Blooming and Petal (2016) adds a touch of whimsy to the often-serious terrain of name studies, laying the groundwork for our playful investigation into the flourishing connections between names and professions.
In a further departure from traditional scholarship, "The Sherlock Syndrome: Investigating the Impact of Name Allure on Professional Pursuits" by Mystery and Riddle (2018) offers a tongue-in-cheek analysis of the influence of intriguing names on career choices, setting the stage for our lighthearted scrutiny of the enigmatic appeal of the name "Mara" in the context of sleuthing in Ohio.
Now, departing from the staid confines of scholarly literature, let us venture into the realm of fiction for a brief moment of frivolity. In the whimsical world of non-scientific prose, the novel "The Mysterious Case of Mara's Moniker" by Sleuthington (2005) spins a tale of clandestine escapades, providing a fanciful glimpse into the fantastical allure of the name "Mara" and its potential sway over the private detective profession.
Likewise, the iconic literary work "Gumshoe Galore: Tales of Trench-Coated Tidings" by Noir (2012) offers a playful romp through the world of gumshoe escapades, hinting at the tantalizing mystique that may be associated with names that evoke a sense of intrigue and enigma.
For a touch of visual levity, our research team engaged with popular culture for inspiration, delving into the serpentine world of televised sleuthing. The enthralling escapades portrayed in shows such as "Mara Mysteries" and "Private Eye Mara" offered a glimpse into the layers of allure that encapsulate the titular name, prompting our playful ponderings on the potential magnetism that the name "Mara" holds for the world of private investigation.
As we traverse the scholarly, the fanciful, and the purely entertaining realms of inspiration, our journey through the underbrush of name popularity and occupational peculiarities takes on a multifaceted hue, inviting readers to join us in unraveling the unexpected connections that await discovery.

[[RESULTS]]
Correlation Analysis
The fruition of our unorthodox inquiry, Mara-mba, has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, a coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.5561780, and a p-value (p < 0.01) that would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. The correlation coefficient suggests a strong positive relationship between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the number of private detectives employed in Ohio. This finding tickled our academic fancy and prompted us to muse about the enigmatic allure of this particular nomenclature in the Buckeye State.
Figure 1 presents a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the robust correlation we uncovered, where each data point signifies a whimsical connection between the popularity of the name "Mara" and the clandestine endeavors of private detectives in Ohio. A veritable tapestry of intrigue unfolds as the scatterplot weaves a captivating narrative of hidden truths and covert inquiries. It's almost as if the data itself is donning a deerstalker hat and brandishing a magnifying glass, ready to embark on its own sleuthing escapade.
Discussion of Findings
The unexpected robust correlation between the prevalence of the name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in Ohio invites scholarly pondering and lighthearted merriment. Could it be that the name "Mara" exudes an innate aura of enigma and mystique, thus piquing the interest of aspiring sleuths across the state? Or, in a whimsical twist of fate, are Ohioans simply smitten with the idea of unraveling clandestine puzzles, turning to the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation as an embodiment of their insatiable curiosity?
Our findings add a delightful twist to the traditional understanding of how nomenclature intertwines with occupational inclinations. The connection between the name "Mara" and the demand for private detective services in Ohio, while initially met with incredulity, now stands as a testament to the power of academic whimsy and the serendipitous intersections that abound in the world of data. It appears that the mysterious allure of the name "Mara" may very well play a part in shaping the occupational landscape of the Buckeye State, prompting us to playfully ponder the intricacies of nomenclature and occupational phenomena.
The correlations unveiled through our mischievous inquiry open the door to further explorations into the whimsical world of name popularity and its quirky connections to occupational realms. As we conclude our delightful discourse on the marriage of "Mara" and the magnifying glass, we invite fellow academics and merrymakers alike to join us in uncovering the enchanting revelations and unexpected correlations that await amid the labyrinth of scholarly revelry.
That's all folks!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The robust correlation uncovered in our investigation leaves us in a state of ersatz bewilderment and giddy excitement. Our results not only bolster the previous scholarly musings about the connection between nomenclature and professional predilections, but they also invite a whimsical romp through the labyrinth of name-related occupational allure.

Harkening back to our review of the literature, the work of Doe and Johnson (2019) laid the groundwork for our merry jaunt into the link between names and occupations, and lo and behold, our findings have marched merrily in step with their scholarly footsteps. The correlation coefficient of 0.7457735 pairs harmoniously with the scholarly ode to the nuanced relationships between monikers and professional inclinations, bringing a mischievous twinkle to this otherwise staid realm of academia.

Similarly, the waggish analysis of Mystery and Riddle (2018), which playfully probed the impact of intriguing names on career choices, now dances an impromptu jig of validation in light of our findings. The allure of the name "Mara" seems to have cast a spell on the occupational pursuits of Ohioans, beckoning them toward the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation with a sly wink and a nod.

Moving beyond scholarly nods, our results also bear a playful resonance with the levity of popular culture references we indulged in. The televised escapades of "Mara Mysteries" and "Private Eye Mara" now appear as not just fanciful flights of scripted fancy, but as tantalizing mirrors reflecting the very real magnetism that the name "Mara" holds for the private investigation profession in Ohio.

In light of these chuckle-worthy reflections, it becomes evident that our findings do not simply stand as isolated data points but rather form the whimsical chorus of a scholarly merriment echoing across the corridors of academic inquiry. As we twirl through this delightful discourse, we beckon our fellow academics to join us in uncovering the enchanting revelations and unexpected correlations that await amid the labyrinth of slippery scholarly revelry.


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.You draft the discussion section of goofy academic research papers that sounds like it belongs based on the title and abstract provided.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Mara and The number of private detectives in Ohio. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this impish investigation, we delve into the intriguing interconnectedness between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in the state of Ohio. Despite initial incredulity, our research team unearthed a positively delightful correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, with a p-value so tiny, it would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we examined the period spanning from 2003 to 2022, unearthing surprising relationships that tickled our academic fancy. Our findings provide a whimsical twist to traditional perceptions of nomenclature in relation to occupational demand, prompting us to ponder: is the name "Mara" inherently mysterious, or are Ohioans simply keen on unraveling enigmatic enigmas? As we unravel this peculiar correlation, we invite readers to join in the mischievous merriment of our research and uncover the unexpected connections hiding in plain sight.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Introduction
The relationship between personal nomenclature and occupational trends has long been a subject of academic curiosity. While the influence of names on various aspects of life has been explored, from career success to romantic encounters, the intersection of monikers and labor market dynamics continues to provide fertile ground for scholarly amusement. In the realm of occupational enigmas, the connection between the popularity of the first name "Mara" and the prevalence of private detectives in the state of Ohio presents a particularly piquant puzzle. Our inquiry, dubbed "Mara-mba," embarks on a lighthearted journey to untangle the whimsical web of associations between nomenclature and sleuthing in the Buckeye State.
The etymological origins of the name "Mara" add a touch of mystery to our investigation. Derived from various linguistic roots, the name "Mara" carries connotations ranging from bitterness to strength, rendering it a tantalizing canvas upon which to paint the portrait of occupational predilections. With a sprinkle of jest and a dash of academic rigor, we set out to elucidate whether the name "Mara" harbors an inherent allure for the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation, or if, as some may whimsically ponder, the citizens of Ohio simply possess an insatiable penchant for peering behind the veil of secrecy.
As we embark on this mischievous journey, we acknowledge the skepticism that may greet our study. The concept of a correlation between the frequency of a given name and the demand for detective services may, at first glance, elicit a raised eyebrow or a stifled chuckle. However, it is precisely in the unexpected and the peculiar that scholarly amusement often finds its most fertile soil. Our foray into this curious correlation may serve as a tantalizing reminder to take nothing for granted, and to approach even the most improbable relationships with a hint of whimsy and an arched eyebrow.
Bounding along the labyrinthine corridors of name popularity and occupational proclivities, our investigation aims to delight, provoke, and inspire. In the tradition of scholarly revelry, we invite fellow academics and merrymakers alike to embark on this merry jaunt through the statistical thickets, and to join us in uncovering the unexpected connections that lay hidden in the everyday fabric of existence. As we delve deeper into the playful peculiarities of our findings, we shall weave a tapestry of delight, imbuing the staid mantle of academic inquiry with the mirthful spark of lighthearted mischief.

[[RESULTS]]
Correlation Analysis
The fruition of our unorthodox inquiry, Mara-mba, has yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, a coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.5561780, and a p-value (p < 0.01) that would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. The correlation coefficient suggests a strong positive relationship between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the number of private detectives employed in Ohio. This finding tickled our academic fancy and prompted us to muse about the enigmatic allure of this particular nomenclature in the Buckeye State.
Figure 1 presents a scatterplot that visually encapsulates the robust correlation we uncovered, where each data point signifies a whimsical connection between the popularity of the name "Mara" and the clandestine endeavors of private detectives in Ohio. A veritable tapestry of intrigue unfolds as the scatterplot weaves a captivating narrative of hidden truths and covert inquiries. It's almost as if the data itself is donning a deerstalker hat and brandishing a magnifying glass, ready to embark on its own sleuthing escapade.
Discussion of Findings
The unexpected robust correlation between the prevalence of the name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in Ohio invites scholarly pondering and lighthearted merriment. Could it be that the name "Mara" exudes an innate aura of enigma and mystique, thus piquing the interest of aspiring sleuths across the state? Or, in a whimsical twist of fate, are Ohioans simply smitten with the idea of unraveling clandestine puzzles, turning to the cloak-and-dagger world of private investigation as an embodiment of their insatiable curiosity?
Our findings add a delightful twist to the traditional understanding of how nomenclature intertwines with occupational inclinations. The connection between the name "Mara" and the demand for private detective services in Ohio, while initially met with incredulity, now stands as a testament to the power of academic whimsy and the serendipitous intersections that abound in the world of data. It appears that the mysterious allure of the name "Mara" may very well play a part in shaping the occupational landscape of the Buckeye State, prompting us to playfully ponder the intricacies of nomenclature and occupational phenomena.
The correlations unveiled through our mischievous inquiry open the door to further explorations into the whimsical world of name popularity and its quirky connections to occupational realms. As we conclude our delightful discourse on the marriage of "Mara" and the magnifying glass, we invite fellow academics and merrymakers alike to join us in uncovering the enchanting revelations and unexpected correlations that await amid the labyrinth of scholarly revelry.
That's all folks!

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]



ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our study, "Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio," has unveiled a mysteriously delightful correlation between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in Ohio. The robust correlation coefficient of 0.7457735 and a p-value so small it's practically invisible have led us to muse on the whimsical connections between nomenclature and clandestine inquiries. It seems that the name "Mara" may indeed possess an enigmatic allure that beckons aspiring sleuths in the Buckeye State, or perhaps Ohioans are simply captivated by the allure of unraveling secretive puzzles.

As we wrap up this lighthearted investigation, we can't help but indulge in a moment of scholarly whimsy. It's almost as if the data itself has donned a deerstalker hat and brandished a magnifying glass, ready to embark on its own sleuthing escapade. Our findings add a delightful twist to the traditional understanding of how names intertwine with occupational inclinations, showcasing the power of academic playfulness and the serendipitous intersections that abound in the world of data.

Despite the temptation to continue this mischievous journey into the whimsical world of name popularity and its quirky connections to occupational realms, we firmly assert that no further research is needed in this area. It's time to bid adieu to "Mara-mba" and leave it as a whimsical, yet undoubtedly meaningful, addition to the scholarly tapestry. After all, we wouldn't want to overstay our welcome in the land of statistical tomfoolery and whimsical correlations.

That's all folks! Keep sleuthing and stay mischievous!


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Humorous Anthropology


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Investigative Naming Analysis


Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Mara-mba: The Mara Name Popularity and the Stakeout Situation in Ohio with an abstract of In this impish investigation, we delve into the intriguing interconnectedness between the frequency of the first name "Mara" and the employment of private detectives in the state of Ohio. Despite initial incredulity, our research team unearthed a positively delightful correlation coefficient of 0.7457735, with a p-value so tiny, it would make even the most frugal statistician loosen their purse strings. Using data from the US Social Security Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we examined the period spanning from 2003 to 2022, unearthing surprising relationships that tickled our academic fancy. Our findings provide a whimsical twist to traditional perceptions of nomenclature in relation to occupational demand, prompting us to ponder: is the name "Mara" inherently mysterious, or are Ohioans simply keen on unraveling enigmatic enigmas? As we unravel this peculiar correlation, we invite readers to join in the mischievous merriment of our research and uncover the unexpected connections hiding in plain sight.

ChatGPT:

"Mara name popularity", "Ohio private detectives", "frequency of first name Mara", "US Social Security Administration data", "Bureau of Labor Statistics Ohio", "nomenclature and occupational demand", "name correlations", "Ohio employment trends", "mysterious name Mara", "enigmatic enigmas"

*There is a bunch of Python happening behind the scenes to turn this prompt sequence into a PDF.



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Data details

Popularity of the first name Mara
Detailed data title: Babies of all sexes born in the US named Mara
Source: US Social Security Administration
See what else correlates with Popularity of the first name Mara

The number of private detectives in Ohio
Detailed data title: BLS estimate of private detectives and investigators in Ohio
Source: Bureau of Larbor Statistics
See what else correlates with The number of private detectives in Ohio

Correlation r = 0.7457735 (Pearson correlation coefficient)
Correlation is a measure of how much the variables move together. If it is 0.99, when one goes up the other goes up. If it is 0.02, the connection is very weak or non-existent. If it is -0.99, then when one goes up the other goes down. If it is 1.00, you probably messed up your correlation function.

r2 = 0.5561780 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 55.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., The number of private detectives in Ohio) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Mara) over the 20 years from 2003 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.00016. 0.0001601600505918065300000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme. More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.75 in 0.016% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 6,244 random variables Which I absolutely did.
with the same 19 degrees of freedom, Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.45, 0.89 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!


All values for the years included above: If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.
20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Popularity of the first name Mara (Babies born)417427415415389355377308312335366409382427439430438463568476
The number of private detectives in Ohio (Laborers)1350124011009209709901270900680340127011401120830113012801510130016901570




Why this works

  1. Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
  2. Lack of causal connection: There is probably Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
    no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
  3. Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
    p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
  4. Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
    Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.




Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."


# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([417,427,415,415,389,355,377,308,312,335,366,409,382,427,439,430,438,463,568,476,])
array_2 = np.array([1350,1240,1100,920,970,990,1270,900,680,340,1270,1140,1120,830,1130,1280,1510,1300,1690,1570,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Mara"
array_2_name = "The number of private detectives in Ohio"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)



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You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

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Correlation ID: 3313 · Black Variable ID: 3058 · Red Variable ID: 12882
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